Syzygium amplum

T. G. Hartley & L. M. Perry

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit

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President and Fellows of Harvard College

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President and Fellows of Harvard College

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President and Fellows of Harvard College

Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Syzygium amplum, is a species of tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.

Description

A small tree. It grows 10 m tall. The trunk is 15 cm across. The bark is grey brown. The leaves are dull dark green above and more pale underneath. The flowers are white. The fruit are green and turn red when ripe.

Edible Uses

We have no specific information on edibility for the fruit of this species, but the fruits of many members of this genus are edible.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edge of forests. In PNG it has been recorded in Madang and East Sepik Provinces.

Where It Grows

Papua New Guinea, PNG,

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe.

Other Uses

A structural timber. We do not have any more specific information for the wood of this species, but the various species of Syzygium tend to have somewhat similar timber. The general description of syzygium timber is as follows:- The heartwood is a golden brown, greyish brown or brown, with pink or purplish glints; it is not clearly demarcated from the 1 - 4cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is fine; the grain slightly interlocked, sometimes wavy or irregular; there are resin deposits. The wood is heavy; moderately hard; somewhat durable, being moderately resistant to fungi and termites, but susceptible to dry wood borers. It seasons slowly, with a high risk of checking and distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. It works well with ordinary tools, nailing and screwing are good so long as the wood is pre-bored; gluing is correct. The wood is used for musical instruments, tool handles, furniture components, ship building, heavy carpentry, flooring, joinery etc.